Name: Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 (15-ounce) cans sweet yellow corn kernels (drained and patted dry); 2 to 3 tablespoons honey (to taste); 4 ounces cream cheese (cubed); Salt and pepper (to taste); Chives for garnish; Smoked paprika (optional)

There’s something incredibly comforting about the sweet and creamy mix of corn cooked with butter and honey. This Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe is a quick, flavorful side that’s perfect when you want simple, satisfying goodness on your plate every time.

This image shows creamy corn in a white dish on a white marbled surface. The dish is full of small yellow corn kernels mixed with a smooth white creamy sauce that coats each corn piece evenly. Small green herb bits are scattered throughout the creamy corn, adding color and texture. A spoon lifts a close-up portion of the creamy corn, showing the mix of bright yellow corn and smooth sauce clearly. The dish looks rich and fresh with a shiny texture on the corn and cream. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited every time I make this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe because it turns such simple ingredients into a luscious, cozy dish that everyone at my table loves. It’s that perfect blend of sweet, buttery, and just a touch of tangy cream cheese that makes it special.

Effortless preparation: This recipe comes together in about 15 minutes with minimal ingredients, perfect for busy nights or last-minute guests.
Comfort food magic: The creamy texture combined with honey’s natural sweetness gives you a nostalgic, satisfying feel in every bite.
Super versatile: You can easily tweak the sweetness or add your favorite spices to suit your mood or meal.
Perfect for any occasion: From holiday dinners to casual weeknight sides, it fits right in and impresses every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe has a role in creating that creamy-sweet balance we all crave. Make sure to use quality butter and fresh cream cheese for the best flavor and consistency, and drain your corn well to avoid sogginess.

Flat lay of fresh yellow corn kernels in a small white ceramic bowl, a few cubes of creamy white cream cheese on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with golden honey, a chunk of unsalted butter on a plain white ceramic dish, bright green chives neatly arranged beside the bowls, and a small white bowl containing ground black pepper, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted butter: Using unsalted gives you control over the saltiness and results in a rich, creamy base.
Sweet yellow corn kernels: Canned corn works perfectly here for convenience, just be sure to drain and pat dry to keep the skillet from getting watery.
Honey: Adjust this to your liking for just the right touch of sweetness – it’s what sets this dish apart.
Cream cheese: Adds that luscious creaminess and a little tang that plays so well with the honey and butter.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the flavors.
Chives: Fresh chives add a mild oniony kick and a pop of color when sprinkled on top.
Smoked paprika (optional): A little smoky warmth that makes this recipe even more interesting if you choose to add it.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe — sometimes I add a squeeze of lime for a fresh twist or toss in some diced jalapeño for a spicy kick. It’s all about making it your own and enjoying every bite.

Variation: Adding crispy bacon bits or chopped roasted red peppers turned this recipe into a delightful crowd-pleaser at my last barbecue.
Dietary tweaks: To keep it dairy-free, swap cream cheese for a plant-based spread, and it still tastes heavenly.
Seasonal changes: When corn is fresh and in season, fresh kernels definitely elevate the dish even more.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with bright yellow corn kernels coated in a creamy sauce, giving them a shiny, smooth texture. Scattered over the corn are small pieces of green chopped herbs, adding color contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and part of a shiny silver spoon is visible on the right side, resting among the corn. The overall look is fresh and vibrant with a glossy finish, showing mainly one layer of creamy corn and herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Melt Butter and Prep Corn

Start by melting the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling gently, add the drained, patted-dry corn kernels. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the corn is warmed through. If the corn releases extra moisture, I usually drain it off or use a paper towel to soak it up — keeping the final dish from getting soggy is key to that perfect texture.

Step 2: Add Cream Cheese and Honey

Now toss in the cubed cream cheese and your honey. Stir everything together until the cream cheese melts completely and the corn is evenly coated with that rich, glossy mixture. This takes about 2 to 3 minutes — watch the skillet and keep stirring so nothing sticks or burns. Taste test here and tweak your honey amount depending on how sweet you want it.

Step 3: Season and Garnish

Season the corn with salt and pepper to balance the sweetness. If you’re a fan of smoky flavors, sprinkle in a little smoked paprika for a subtle warmth. Finish it off with chopped fresh chives and a few extra grinds of black pepper. I sometimes drizzle a little more honey on top when serving — it makes it look gorgeous and tastes divine.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe, the biggest game-changer is getting rid of any extra moisture from the corn before you start cooking. You want that silky texture without it getting watery, and the cream cheese won’t emulsify properly if the skillet’s too damp.

Drain and dry thoroughly: Pat your corn dry with paper towels after draining; it’s simple but crucial.
Low and slow with cream cheese: Give the cream cheese time to melt gently—rushing this step can cause lumps.
Adjust honey last: Taste before adding more honey. Start conservatively because you can always add more.
Use a non-stick skillet: This helps you stir the corn without worrying about sticking or burning the butter and cheese.

How to Serve Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish off with fresh chopped chives because they add a subtle onion flavor and that gorgeous pop of green. Sometimes, I also sprinkle just a pinch of smoked paprika for a rustic look and a hint of smoky warmth that complements the sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Personally, I serve this with grilled chicken or pork chops, and it’s also fantastic alongside a big green salad or roasted veggies. During the holidays, it pairs beautifully with roasted turkey and mashed potatoes—it’s like a cozy hug on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this corn right in the skillet on the table. It looks so inviting and rustic. You can also spoon it into small ramekins topped with extra chives and a drizzle of honey for a charming, individual presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and try to eat them within 2 days. The texture thickens a bit as it cools, so give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

Freezing this corn isn’t my favorite because the creamy texture can separate when thawed. If you do freeze it, pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container and thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.

Reheating

When reheating, I warm it gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creaminess, stirring frequently. The microwave works too if you add a little liquid and cover it to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh corn instead of canned in this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh corn adds an incredible sweetness and a slightly firmer texture. Just cut the kernels off the cob and sauté them a bit longer to cook through and release less moisture. Patting the kernels dry before cooking is still important.

How do I adjust the sweetness if I prefer it less sweet?

Start by using less honey in the initial cooking step, then taste before adding more. You can also balance sweetness with a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten flavors and cut through the sugar.

Can I make this Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe vegan?

Yes! Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and swap the cream cheese for a vegan cream cheese variety. Use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it vegan-friendly. The result will still be creamy and delicious, just with a slightly different twist.

What’s the best skillet to use for this recipe?

A non-stick skillet is ideal for cooking Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe because it allows you to cook evenly without sticking or burning your buttery, cheesy mix. If you use cast iron, make sure it’s well-seasoned and be gentle when stirring so nothing clings or tears.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipe feels like the perfect little luxury of comfort food that’s easy enough to whip up any day of the week. I keep coming back to it because it’s quick, reliable, and everyone asks for seconds — honestly, it’s one of those side dishes that makes me feel like I’m giving a warm hug with every bite. You’re going to love how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.